Pit Diagnosed with AIHA

[Alyssa]

Oh yes, we’re very gentle and slow with walks! I don’t force her. We go out to pee, and usually, she will start walking me. If she doesn’t, we just come back in. We go very slow, and it’s a very gentle hill. And never more than about 5 minutes! I think she just likes to stretch her legs a bit after laying for so long & that’s why she initiates the walks :)

Today, we had just started to walk and then my dad drove up. She knows the truck and she ran me to catch up with him. She was pulling me, and was very happy and tail-wagging when we got to him (only took about 40 seconds). But I was so happy to see her have the energy to do that – and she didn’t seem winded afterward. Most of the day is definitely spent laying/sleeping.

[admin]

Hi Alyssa
She must be feeling much better if she is perky now & again – it’s all thanks to you doing a great job! Good news all round.

[admin]

Hi Alyssa,
it looks like you are totally in tune with your girl! I am glad she is interested in food now and I bet you were exited to see her greet your dad. I think how they feel and act is sometimes more important than what their PCV is. I remember being exited when my dog shook himself the first time after getting ill. I never realized how much energy shaking themselves takes for them. Then I started to wish he would shake himself and it would all be over and he would be healthy again. Unfortunately it all takes a lot of time so be patient. You have such a good attitude and instinctively do what is right for Sassy, you rock girl!
Best wishes,
Brigitte

[admin]

Hi Alyssa, and welcome to you and the gorgeous Sassy!

I’m really sorry that you are going through this nightmare. We’ve all been through it and know how frightening it is. I think you also mentioned the speed at which it takes hold, which is so true. My cat, Molly, had a rare form of IMHA in 2013. It seems as though Sassy is doing really well, so well done to you and your vet! I’m so pleased to know that she seems to have turned a corner. Clever girl!

I’m so sorry to hear about Sadie. It is always so hard to lose them, however young or old they are. They are such a part of the family.

Thank you for taking the time to tell us Sassy’s story. It is heartbreaking indeed, but heartwarming too, to know that there are people like you who love and care enough to turn her life around. I’ve never understood how someone can just move away and leave their animals behind, but to do that and also neglect and misuse them is beyond comprehension. I’m just so glad that Sassy found you.

You are doing an awesome job in looking after her, and she looks like the sweetest girl. Give her a big hug from us, and one for you too.

Mary and Mable x

[Alyssa]

Hey guys. How was everyone’s Easter? We had our celebration a day early because of bad weather the day of. Nice cookout. Sassy got a tiny bit of grilled steak (which she went nuts over)

Sassy is doing well, still pretty much just wanting to lay around. Prior to getting sick one of her favorite things to do was play with a rope or destroy boxes – and a few nights ago she played with both for a few minutes! That made me so happy. It wasn’t much, but it was something. Last night went we went outside we saw a cat, and that perked her up too (…alot. she wanted to charge). And on the cookout day she shocked me when I told her to come inside; she jumped from the ground to the top of the porch. It’s quiet a jump – 2ft maybe? She could have easily taken the stairs but did that for some reason. It didn’t phase her. Little signs of improvement through the hours of resting.

I’m really anxious to go do our test this weekend. And hopefully get that dosage lowered.

I have a question; I don’t think it’s anything serious, I just wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this side effect. I notice Sassys … second eyelid? The one that comes from the side, I don’t know what it’s called. It seems to be “out” when it shouldn’t be. I have a photo here:
http://i.imgur.com/8ul48vD.jpg

Is it because she is tired? It’s not always when she is laying down. Sometimes sitting. The muscle wasting? Something else? Just curious here!

[admin]

Hi Alyssa

Sounds like you’ve been having a great time & Sassy is a happy girl! That lovely bit of steak was a good treat for her. Just watch out for too much exertion, like jumping or chasing as she could hurt herself because her muscles are atrophied (shrunken).

I had a look at the photo – this is the third eyelid or nictitating membrane. I have not heard of this from anyone else on here that I can remember, but maybe someone else can. I would like your vet to have a look at this as there are lots of causes, including being a bit under the weather! It could be just a result of the illness & the drugs, but I would like to be sure. Is it only now & again or all the time that you can see it?

For now, don’t use anything over the counter at all until the vet has had a look as anything you put on it would prevent them being able to diagnose properly. I suspect it’s probably nothing to worry about, but let’s make absolutely sure – you don’t want to miss something important, especially with eyes.

I am really pleased Sassy is doing great & it’s always lovely to hear from you – you always cheer me up
Love to you & Sassy Girl
Sheena, Worzel & Ollie xxxxx

[Alyssa]

Hi Sheena,
It’s not out all the time. Usually only when she relaxing – laying down, sometimes sitting. But if she is alert, like walking or waiting for food or something – it’s not there. That’s why I was thinking it had something to do with tiredness. I will certainly talk with the vet about it when we go. It’s concerning to me, but I’m hoping it’s nothing, since it is not out all the time.

[admin]

Hi again Alyssa

I think you’re probably right if it’s only when Sassy is relaxed – it’s likely a combination of being a bit under weather, very tired & the drugs doing this. Maybe the muscles that control this 3rd eyelid have become a bit weak with the pred – Worzel had “pred head” & his eyes looked almost protruding because his head muscles had shrunk so much, poor chap, so I imagine the eye muscles can be affected too. But please do mention it to the vets & show them a photo – it could even be a slight infection, which is easy to treat & is nothing to worry about, although I would have thought it would be visible all the time if that was the case. I’m sure they will be able to put your mind at rest by examining her properly.

I’m really sorry I can’t help & reassure you more – I’m not an expert on this & can only say I suspect the drugs have weakened her eye muscles – that is my “guess”, but I’m really not sure. Please let us know what the vet thinks it could be & how Sassy gets on – when do you go next for a check-up? Fingers crossed, it’s nothing to worry about.

Love & hugs
Sheena & the boys xxxxx